New Entrants News Spring 2023 – Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) – Animal Health & Welfare options

In our previous New Entrants newsletter edition, we covered the carbon audit and soil sampling options of the Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) scheme. These are still available in 2023 but have been joined by some animal health and welfare options to encourage livestock keepers to improve the health and welfare of their cattle and sheep. The PSF scheme will run until March 2025, so you have 2023 and 2024 to take advantage of this funding
opportunity. It is possible to claim for the same options in year two or different ones, depending on the needs of your business.

The 2023 scheme year runs from 1st January to 31st December 2023 and claims can be made from 1st March 2023 to 28th February 2024.

Businesses can select up to two options from the seven available and will receive a standard cost of £250 per option (up to £500 per business). In addition, a one-off personal development payment of £250 will be paid with your first animal health & welfare claim for time spent on education and research on best practice in animal health and welfare. Payment will be issued upon receipt of a completed Expert Advisor Form from your Expert Advisor e.g. your vet, that details your business details, the intervention carried out, date of investigation, results of investigation and actions required.

No carbon audit is required to access these animal health and welfare options, but it is recommended as it can help identify areas of opportunity to reduce the farm carbon footprint via improvements in livestock health and productivity.

There are two cattle only options, three sheep only options, and two further cattle or sheep options available as shown in the table. Consultation with your vet will help identify the most appropriate measure(s) for your herd and/or flock and the best timing for the investigations(s) and actions to fit with your farm management system.